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UNC Basketball: Brooks earns spot on Dick Vitale’s preseason team

By Zack Pearson

CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 11: Garrison Brooks #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels plays during a game against the Clemson Tigers on January 11, 2020 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 76-79 in overtime. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 11: Garrison Brooks #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels plays during a game against the Clemson Tigers on January 11, 2020 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 76-79 in overtime. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /
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UNC Basketball standout Garrison Brooks has earned a spot on Dick Vitale’s All-America preseason team ahead of the new season

We are now just five days away from the start of a new UNC Basketball season as the Tar Heels will begin play next Wednesday vs. College of Charleston. After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down last season early, this year should be interesting in terms of games played, arenas with fans and the plans for the NCAA Tournament.

It’s certainly going to be a year unlike any other.

As we approach the start of the new season, plenty of media outlets continue to roll out their predictions and preseason honors. Already a few UNC players have made the cut for some preseason recognition and now another was added on Friday. ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale released his preseason teams, players to watch and Top 25 poll, offering up his insight on this season.

The Tar Heels were ranked as Vitale’s No. 15 team in the rankings but one player earned a preseason honor. Garrison Brooks was named to Vitale’s All-America Preseason Second Team:

Garrison Brooks, North Carolina
Marcus Zegarowski, Creighton
Collin Gillespie, Villanova
Sam Hauser, Virginia
Marcus Garrett, Kansas

Despite missing out on the first team, being named one of the 10 best players in the country is a big honor for the senior.  Brooks was recently named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year and is in the running for the Naismith Award given out to the best player in each season.

The former four-star recruit really upped his game from his sophomore season to his junior campaign as he averaged 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game last season while shooting 53 percent from the field. Brooks was UNC’s best overall player and if he takes another big step in his game, he could be a dominant force in his final year.

Next. Can UNC land a big fish in 2021 recruiting class?. dark

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